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Why Pet-Safe Turf Matters
Artificial grass can look neat and not need mowing. But it’s not always the easy fix if you have a dog or kids.
It’s what you must do if you have artificial grass and dogs
Choose proper pet-safe artificial grass
Not all artificial grass is safe for dogs. Choose one with good drainage and odour control. Look for antibacterial properties and non-toxic materials.
Test the heat
On sunny days, plastic grass can get dangerously hot. I’ve seen it reach over 50°C. Like you would with pavements and tarmac, place the back of your hand on the grass for 5 – 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. (Vets-Now.com)
The base is essential.
Use crushed granite or MOT Type 1, followed by sharp sand. This ensures good drainage and prevents smells.
Rinse it regularly – rain is not enough.
Unlike regular grass, which you mow regularly and so replaces itself constantly, artificial grass needs a regular hose down, especially after your dog has used it. Use a pet-safe cleaner.
Choose the right pile height.
A medium pile (25–35mm) feels soft but is easier to clean. Too short feels hard; too long traps a mess.
Use silica sand infill.
It helps blades stand up, reduces heat, and improves durability. Ensure it’s pet-safe.
Other things to consider when installing artificial grass
Don’t lay artificial grass on bare soil
Like any other building project, it is important to do your research and get the foundations/groundwork right; otherwise, you will get lumps, bumps, and crevices, and bad smells will build up. Also, ensure you have a good anti-weed membrane, or they will still grow through and take over.
Secure the edge, especially if your dog loves a dig.
Secure all the edges so they can’t lift, and don’t allow the dog to start digging under loose corners.
Don’t assume it’s low maintenance.
It isn’t. Unlike real grass, it doesn’t auto-replace when you don’t mow the lawn; you must ensure it is regularly cleaned, or you will get bacteria and ammonia buildup. Remember, don’t use bleach or any harsh chemicals.
Don’t buy cheap
It not only is don’t heap and nasty and won’t last, but will cause no end of problems of ammonia build up, heat buildup, and more.
Why pet-friendly turf matters
Your dog spends a lot of time on the grass. If the grass is not designed for pets, problems can arise quickly.
I once installed turf that claimed to be “dog-friendly.” It wasn’t. In weeks, it “wasn’t.” My dog avoided it. The surface retained moisture and odours, and cleaning became a constant chore.
Proper pet turf should have:
What happens if you get it wrong?
- Urine smells
Without proper drainage and cleaning, the smell builds fast. It sinks into the backing and becomes hard to remove. - Skin irritation
Some dogs get rashes from poor-quality turf, especially in the heat or if harsh cleaners are used. - Injury risks
Heat burns, sharp seams, and loose edges can cause cuts or paw damage, and kids can trip, too. - Wasted money
I’ve known people who ripped up after one summer because it wasn’t pet-proof.
The downside of artificial grass with pets and kids
I have a dog and two kids. Artificial grass seemed like a good idea. But there are drawbacks.
- It gets hot
Unlike real grass, fake turf can’t cool itself. On hot days, it can get too warm to play on. Try to provide shade and cooling mats. (countryfile.com) - It doesn’t absorb noise.
Soft ground doesn’t sound, and plastic turf echoes. When the dog runs or the kids play, it’s loud. - It doesn’t self-repair. Unlike real grass, if you drop a scooter or leave a garden chair longer than you think, you can generally see the dent in artificial grass, whereas in real grass, it usually bounces back.
- Traps smell and dirt.
Real grass breaks down urine and faeces. Artificial turf doesn’t. - Dropped drinks can mean more work.
Kids spill drinks, dogs bring mud, and fake grass holds onto that muck. You’ll need to brush, rinse, and scrub more than you think. - No insects or birds
That may sound good at first. However, since there are no worms or grubs for wildlife to feed on, you won’t attract as many birds unless you leave a bit of the garden to grow wild. - Static shocks
On dry days, you sometimes get zapped, especially when walking barefoot. - Turf burn
Kids fall. Plastic turf grazes skin. It’s not like falling on soft grass. One tumble can leave a mark.
So, is it worth it?
That depends on what you want. Artificial grass can work if you’re looking for a tidy lawn all year round and are ready to clean it often. But if you expect zero effort or want a natural feel, it’s not the best choice.
Think about how your pet uses the space, how often your kids play outside, and the weather. Would a small natural lawn do the job just as well?
Are you choosing turf for yourself or your dog? They’ll be the ones lying on it.
You don’t need to buy the most expensive artificial lawn, but you do need to choose wisely. Ask questions, test samples, and do your own tests where possible. Don’t trust every “pet-friendly” product without checking and doing your own tests.
Artificial grass can be useful for pets and children, but only if you pick the right type, prepare it properly, and keep up with the cleaning.
Otherwise, you might end up ripping it out—or worse, living with a garden that smells like a dog toilet.
A couple of articles worth reading are
Countryfile – Artificial grass is dangerous to dogs
Daily Mail – vets issue urgent warning
vetsNow
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